Acharya (Ramanuja)

Acharya Ramanuja was a revered Indian philosopher and theologian from the 11th century who shaped the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) school of Vedanta. He emphasized that ultimate reality, Brahman, is both infinite and personal, possessing qualities like compassion and love. According to him, individual souls (jivas) are real and distinct but connected to Brahman through surrender and devotion. His teachings fostered a path of devotion (bhakti) combined with knowledge and righteous conduct, promoting a harmonious relationship between the divine and the individual, which greatly influenced Hindu spiritual practice and philosophy.